FOURTH IN A SERIES (See more below)

By MITCHELL WOOD

PARMA, May 7 — They call him Diddy, like the video game character. And much like his namesake, Patrick “Diddy” Farrell, is an electric presence and one of Cuyahoga Community College’s most well-rounded baseball players.

The 6’ 2” freshman outfielder from North Royalton and North Royalton High School is an all-around threat for the Triceratops. Farrell combines a blistering pace with a strong mentality, earning his place at the top of the Tri-C batting order. However, heading into the season, Farrell faced the challenge of adapting to college baseball.

“Adjusting to the college game was definitely difficult,” Farrell says. “The work ethic is much different than high school. It makes you work a lot harder.”

Cuyahoga Community College head coach Kyle Stahlberg calls Farrell “…anchor at the top of our lineup.” Although Farrell has endured challenges this season, he’s excelled on the field. Through the 41 games he’s played, he is batting .430 with a .592 on-base percentage.

In addition, he’s notched 38 RBIs, scored 64 times, and hit 4 home runs for the Triceratops. He also has a stellar .951 fielding percentage.

Farrell has been a consistent threat on the basepaths as well, stealing 37 bases while getting caught just twice.

“The coaches play a big role in (telling us) when to steal, but it really comes down to getting a good jump and trusting your instincts,” Farrell explains.

Diddy’s importance to the Triceratops goes beyond the diamond. Coach Stahlberg called him the team’s “glue guy.”

“Farrell’s attitude is infectious, and his leadership style is both vocal and by example,” Stahlberg adds. “I believe that most guys would consider him a key piece at the center of our team chemistry.”

Tri-C’s coaches have placed Farrell in different spots on the diamond, including multiple outfield positions and as catcher. “He is one of our most versatile players and a defensive weapon in numerous spots on the field,” Stahlberg says.

Although he’s been in organized baseball and played on many team thus far in his life, Farrell describes the team’s culture as “different than any team he’s been on.”

“It’s the closest thing to a family I’ve ever had, and that builds chemistry, which leads to our success.”

Mitchell is a student in Professor John Kerezy’s MJS 2070 sports reporting class.

UP NEXT: Profile on Keagan Gilbride, along with a brief Tri-C vs. Mid Michigan playoff series preview. If you cannot make Thursday’s playoff series games live, Smee Sports will be broadcasting the contests.